The Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel and his wife Lis Cuesta have traveled to Mexico City to attend the inauguration of the newly elected president, Claudia Sheinbaum, which is set to take place on Tuesday, October 1st.
Photos shared by the Cuban Presidency on their X account show Díaz-Canel's arrival in the Mexican capital, where he was welcomed by Dr. David Kershenobich, who will take on the role of Secretary of Health in the incoming administration.
The aircraft carrying Díaz-Canel landed at the controversial Felipe Ángeles International Airport, a project prioritized by current Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. Despite being inaugurated two years ago, the airport continues to face significant challenges regarding passenger traffic.
Members of the Cuban Delegation
The Cuban delegation includes: Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, Minister of Foreign Affairs (MINREX); Emilio Lozada García, Head of the International Relations Department of the Communist Party; Eugenio Martínez Enríquez, Director General for Latin America and the Caribbean at MINREX; and Marcos Rodríguez Costa, Cuban Ambassador to Mexico.
Historical Inauguration Amidst Challenges
On October 1st, Claudia Sheinbaum will be sworn in at the Chamber of Deputies of the Mexican Congress, becoming the first woman to hold the presidency in Mexico. Dignitaries from South America and the Caribbean have confirmed their attendance, with a notable absence of European leaders. The lead-up to this ceremony has been overshadowed by violence in regions like Sinaloa, controlled by cartels, and the repercussions of natural disasters across the country.
Sheinbaum's historic victory on June 2nd signified the continuation of the Morena party's rule, founded by the outgoing president Andrés Manuel López Obrador. At 61 years old and a native of Mexico City, Sheinbaum has pledged to govern for all citizens. However, her ability to tackle economic and security challenges without resorting to populism or solely relying on López Obrador's legacy remains to be seen. She will need to prove that she can implement effective and sustainable policies rather than merely echoing her predecessor's rhetoric.
Mexico-Cuba Relations Under Scrutiny
During López Obrador's six-year tenure, relations between Mexico and Cuba saw substantial growth, with Mexico providing donations and aid, especially during the post-pandemic period, and more recently, the hiring of over 1,200 Cuban doctors.